Environmental reporter Sue Surkes on why five desalination plants shut down last week, Israel's dangerous overreliance on water technology, and innovations in sustainable food science

Israel’s strength is measured not only by whether it can strike its enemies or intercept their weapons, but by whether ordinary life can continue under pressure.

The announcement follows shutdowns at Israel's desalination plants amid high seawater turbidity, with plants in Ashkelon and Ashdod still inoperative as of Friday.